First vote for women celebrated

A number of well-known women activists, historians, writers and supporters of women’s rights will gather for a special Voting Day breakfast today to mark the first time women voted in a New Zealand general election, says Tamsin Evans, Deputy Chief Executive, Delivery, Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“On this day 125 years ago, more than 90,000 women turned up to the polls for the first time to cast their vote,” says Ms Evans.

New Zealand has continued a tradition of strong women’s rights activists who have advocated their causes with the same spirit as our suffragists.

“We are delighted that so many women who have made a telling contribution to New Zealand society have been able to join us on this historic occasion. Today is a celebration of the results of their efforts and those who blazed a trail before them in the quest for equality.”

“I’m also pleased that this morning we are launching the online publication Women Together: A History of Women’s Organisations in New Zealand Ngā Rōpū Wāhine o te Motu.

Women Together was originally published in 1993 to mark the century of women’s suffrage.The new online version launched today includes freshly researched and written updates that cover the past 25 years.

We are thrilled that the original editor, Anne Else, was able to oversee this 2018 update. I am confident that Women Together: A History of Women’s Organisations in New Zealand Ngā Rōpū Wāhine o te Motu will be an invaluable source for years to come as New Zealanders, young and old, learn about the crucial role women have played role in achieving women’s rights in Aotearoa.”